Another Mongolian sumo assault scandal

Ankhtuya

The Japan Sumo Association said on Wednesday that rank-and-file wrestler Takanoiwa assaulted an attendant of his stable during the ongoing regional tour. Just two months after the sport’s governing body issued a “declaration to eradicate violence,” Takanoiwa, 28, physically attacked a lower-ranked apprentice wrestler, the association said.

According to the JSA’s public relations department head, the apprentice has a swelling in his face. The JSA says it will consider a punishment for Takanoiwa, who has withdrawn from the winter regional tour in Fukuoka.

Takanoiwa, whose real name is A.Baasandorj, has himself been the victim of assault, when on 26 October 2017, when he was hit with a karaoke machine remote control at a lounge bar by fellow Mongolian Harumafuji. The yokozuna retired the following month.

In November, Takanoiwa dropped a damages suit filed against Harumafuji, saying his family in Mongolia had been subject to abuse over the legal action from their compatriots who hold Harumafuji in high regard.

The scandal prompted former yokozuna Takanohana, the head of Takanoiwa’s stable until it was dissolved, to quit the Japan Sumo Association in September.